IV.4. Brief description of roller skate types
Aggressive roller skates
They are characteristically robust, easy to manoeuvre and durable. Its parts are produced in line with the so-called UA standard, which is independent of manufacturers. Its wheels are 45-60 mm in size, its hardness is between 88A and 102A, and their profile is flat. In winter, they use the softer 88A wheels, while, in the summer, the harder 92A wheels. Aggressive roller skates come in various wheel arrangements. All 4 wheels have the same size and hardness, or the two outer wheels are larger and softer than the middle ones (which are called ground wheels and are between 95A and 102A), or there are only two wheels on the frame, which have the same size and hardness (freestyle). These skates have reinforced frames, plates and cuffs. Another special part is the slide, a dent in the frame between the 2nd and 3rd wheels to make side slides possible. The shell can be made of plastic, fabric or leather equipped with buckles, straps and laces.
Freeskates
Another name is freestyle slalom skates, and they are easy to manoeuvre. The wheels are 80 mm in diameter with a hardness of 82-87A. Their frames are replaceable and so short that the distance between wheels is very small. They have high-top boots with a design similar to that of fitness skates.
Fitness skates
Roller skates designed for universal use. Their wheels are 70-84 mm in diameter, made of rubber, and have a hardness of 78A-84A and an elliptical profile. The frame is longer than the boot in the front as well as at the back. Boots can have various designs and come with buckles, laces or Velcro straps. The shell can be made of canvas or plastic with removable liners.
Marathon roller skates
They are somewhere between fitness and speed skates. They are comfortable and appropriate for long distances. The diameter of the wheels is between 90-100 mm; their hardness is 83-87A. The frame is made exclusively of metal. The boots are high-top.
Speed skates
Speed skates are very light, their low-cut boots are made of carbon fibre and equipped with buckles and laces. There are two main types. The earlier type has 5 wheels with a diameter of 80 mm. The newer type has 4 wheels with a diameter of 90-110 mm. Its wheels are made of polyurethane, and the hardness of indoor wheels is 83A-85A, while that of outdoor wheels is 85A-89A. The profile of the wheels is sharply parabolic. The frame of speed roller skates is long and made of metal alloy. They enable the skater to run long distances at a large speed, but they are hard to manoeuvre.
Roller Hockey Skates
Roller hockey skates have a characteristic round toe, high ankle support and long tongue. Their wheels are 72-80 mm in diameter, have an oval profile and a hardness of 74A-86A depending on the place of use. Indoor roller hockey skates have wheels with a hardness of 74A-76A, while that of outdoor wheels is 80A-86A. The two rear wheels are larger (80 mm) than the two front wheels (72 mm) helping to place the centre of gravity to the front. They are easy to manoeuvre and can reach a high speed. The boots are made of leather, plastic, pearl canvas or Kevlar, and have laces. Their frames are made of metal or hard plastic alloy. They do not have thick padding, and the rear wheels are located under the heel.
Trail skates
They are a special type of roller skates. Their wheels of 110-145 mm in diameter are made of rubber and have different grooves. The frame has spring suspension, and the wheels have cast rims. The number of wheels is 2-3. The boots have long, reinforced ankle support. Their use is recommended on terrain.
